ADVOCACY – Elliott Report

Can an online travel agency cancel your booking but keep your money?

A Booking.com booking blunder! Can I get a full refund for this flight?

April 26, 2025February 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Can an online travel agency keep your money after making a reservation you didn’t want? Booking.com just did it to one of our readers.

Nathaniel Meyer purchased $3,350 worth of Grateful Dead concert tickets from Ticketmaster, believing they were transferable. However, he later discovered that the tickets couldn’t be resold. Despite months of trying to resolve the issue, Ticketmaster provided no answers. After a breach of his personal information and no clarity on transfer restrictions, Meyer sought a refund. Was he out of luck, or was help on the way? With some advocacy, Ticketmaster finally offered Meyer a full refund. It’s a reminder to always check ticket terms before buying.

Shakedown Street: Why can’t I resell these Dead & Company concert tickets?

November 29, 2024October 18, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Ticketmaster sells Nathaniel Meyer his Grateful Dead tickets, it leads him to believe he can resell them. But he can’t. Is he stuck with them?

Darrell Eldridge faced a $3,000 charge from Turo for a blown tire during his rental of a 2021 Dodge Durango. Despite providing evidence of poor tire maintenance, Turo initially upheld the charge. Eldridge took detailed photos, proving negligence in tire upkeep by the vehicle owner. After appeals and advocacy intervention, Turo rescinded the charge. This case highlights the importance of thorough documentation, especially of tire condition, when renting from platforms like Turo.

Turo repair problem: Do I have to pay $3,000 for this blown tire?

October 10, 2024September 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When a tire on Darrell Eldridge’s Turo rental blew out, he was relieved that he didn’t get into an accident. But his relief soon gave way to rage when Turo sent him a $3,000 bill for damage.

Inna Zaychik ordered a nightstand from Amazon, but despite the company marking it as delivered, she never received it. After multiple chats, emails, and calls with Amazon's customer service, she was left without her nightstand or a refund. Although Amazon initially refused to process a refund, claiming the package was delivered, Inna's detailed paper trail proved otherwise. With the A-to-z Guarantee on her side, and after some advocacy, Amazon finally returned the $95 to her account.

Amazon order problem: Where’s my nightstand?

November 1, 2024August 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Where’s the nightstand Inna Zaychik ordered from Amazon? The company says it’s been delivered, but she doesn’t have it. Can she get a refund?

When Priya Engel checked into her San Diego vacation rental, she was met with cold water and no heat. Despite numerous calls to Vrbo and the property owner, the issues remained unresolved, forcing her to vacate early. Vrbo initially denied her refund claim, stating she didn't qualify under their Book With Confidence guarantee. Engel's persistence and documentation finally led to a full refund, raising questions about the necessity of explicit guarantees for basic amenities like heat and hot water in rental agreements.

No hot water and no heat in my Vrbo rental. Why can’t I get a refund?

August 31, 2024August 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Priya Engel turned on the shower in her San Diego vacation rental, the water ran cold and there was no heat. Repeated calls to the owner changed nothing, and now she wants her money back.

David Aronstein's Alaskan cruise took an unexpected turn when he contracted Covid-19. While the onboard medical team provided excellent care, he faced a new challenge upon returning home: a $750 bill for Paxlovid treatment. His insurance company required medical records to process the claim, but despite multiple attempts to obtain these from Holland America, David received no response. The cruise line directed him to fill out a release form and send it to their parent company, Carnival, but this yielded no results. David's perseverance highlights the importance of securing medical records immediately after treatment.

How do I get Holland America to send me my medical records? I keep asking.

August 2, 2024July 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

David Aronstein needs his medical records from Holland America. Without them, he can’t file an insurance claim for the treatment he received on a cruise. What’s the holdup?

Elaine Simmons' cruise vacation turned into a nightmare when her NCL flight reservation vanished. Left scrambling at the airport, she paid an exorbitant $1,796 to secure alternative tickets. Despite pleading with NCL for reimbursement, they directed her to their travel insurance provider, AON, which rejected her claim. Even disputing the charge on her credit card proved futile. Exasperated and out of options, Elaine sought mediation. With resolve, she turned to an advocacy team, hoping they could compel NCL to take responsibility for their oversight and compensate her for the unexpected expense.

I paid an extra $1,796 to get to my cruise. Why won’t NCL reimburse me?

September 5, 2024February 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After Elaine Simmons’ flight reservation is lost, she pays an extra $1,796 to get to her NCL cruise. Why won’t the cruise line help her recover the money?

Diego Vega found himself unwittingly enrolled in Uber One through a Capital One offer, facing charges for a service he never wanted. Despite attempts to unenroll, both companies were unresponsive, leaving him trapped in a subscription nightmare. This story explores the ease of signing up for such memberships, the challenges in canceling them, and the relentless marketing that follows. It highlights the crucial steps to cancel unwanted subscriptions and the importance of vigilance with credit card offers. An investigation into Vega's situation reveals a surprising twist, offering a resolution and shedding light on consumer rights.

I never ordered Uber One. Please help me get my money back!

May 17, 2025February 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Diego Vega is signed up for Uber One. He has no idea how he’s been enrolled in the monthly $9.99 membership, but he does know one thing: He wants to un-enroll. But how?

After UPS loses Vanessa Armendariz' return package to Amazon, she can't get her money back. Whose responsibility is this? And should she have to pay for someone else's mistake?

UPS lost my package! But is Amazon’s resolution fair?

April 26, 2025February 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After UPS loses Vanessa Armendariz’ return package to Amazon, she can’t get her money back. Whose responsibility is this? And should she have to pay for someone else’s mistake?

The touchscreen on Satoaki Omori's new HP Envy laptop doesn't work, and the computer has been discontinued. Can he get a full refund -- or a replacement?

Help! My HP Envy doesn’t work. Can I get a replacement or a refund?

November 8, 2024February 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The touchscreen on Satoaki Omori’s new HP Envy laptop doesn’t work, and the computer has been discontinued. Can he get a full refund — or a replacement?